When I first started quilting, about 1973, there were very few "quilting" shops near me. I soon found out I could purchase all cotton blouses, dresses and men's shirts at our two local thrift stores. It was a little work to come home, wash them, then cut them apart. Not being a big television fan, I spent my time ripping and cutting and just listening to TV. It was good practice; I think it made me a champion ripper. Jo Ann's Fabric's has a wealth of in their bins